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Antibacterial, antioxidant, cytotoxicity, and phytochemical screening of Moringa oleifera leaves
Gamal M El-Sherbiny1, Amira J Alluqmani2, Islam A Elsehemy3
1Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, 11884, Egypt. gamalelsherbiny1970@azhar.edu.eg.
Abstract:
Bacterial resistance to antibiotics remains a significant clinical challenge, contributing to persistently high rates of morbidity and mortality. Achieving treatment success is increasingly difficult, necessitating the evaluation of new antibiotics and complementary approaches, including source control and alternative therapies. This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, and phytochemical properties of Moringa oleifera leaf extract using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and to evaluate the pharmacokinetic properties of its major compound. The extract demonstrated strong antibacterial activity against standard strains and foodborne bacterial species. It also showed significant antioxidant potential, supported by the presence of high concentrations of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. HPLC analysis identified multiple bioactive compounds, with quercetin as the predominant component. The cytotoxicity study confirmed the safety of the extract at low and moderate concentrations, and ADMET analysis indicated favorable pharmacokinetic characteristics of quercetin. In conclusion, Moringa oleifera exhibits promising potential for medical and food industry applications due to its significant antibacterial and antioxidant activities, combined with a strong safety profile and rich phytochemical content.
Insights
Moringa oleifera leaf extract shows potent antibacterial and antioxidant effects, with a favorable safety profile. Its major compound, quercetin, exhibits promising pharmacokinetic properties for potential therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance poses a critical global health threat, increasing morbidity and mortality.
- Novel therapeutic strategies, including natural product-derived compounds, are essential for combating resistant bacterial infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antibacterial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, and phytochemical profiles of Moringa oleifera leaf extract.
- To assess the pharmacokinetic properties of quercetin, the predominant compound in the extract.
Main Methods:
- High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for phytochemical analysis.
- In vitro assays for antibacterial and antioxidant activity.
- Cytotoxicity and ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) analyses for safety and pharmacokinetics.
Main Results:
- The extract exhibited significant antibacterial activity against various bacterial strains.
- Substantial antioxidant potential was observed, linked to high phenolic and flavonoid content.
- Quercetin was identified as the major bioactive compound, with favorable safety and pharmacokinetic (ADMET) profiles.
Conclusions:
- Moringa oleifera leaf extract possesses significant antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
- The extract demonstrates a strong safety profile and rich phytochemical composition, particularly quercetin.
- These findings support the potential utility of Moringa oleifera in the medical and food industries.
